Nestlé, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has announced the launch of two new initiatives aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions within its cocoa supply chain. Collaborating with key suppliers such as Cargill and ETG | Beyond Beans, these projects are set to span a five-year period and are designed to promote agroforestry, accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture, and facilitate the reforestation of degraded lands surrounding cocoa farming communities.
Nestlé home to leading chocolate brands including Kit Kat and Nesquick, is one the world’s largest corporate cocoa consumers, sourcing roughly 430,000 tons per year, with much of the supply sourced from Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
The move comes as part of Nestlé’s broader commitment to combat climate change, particularly in response to its pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This commitment was outlined in the company’s comprehensive climate plan published in 2020, which also includes interim targets such as a 20% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 50% reduction by 2030.
Recognizing the significant impact of its ingredient sourcing on its overall carbon footprint – accounting for more than 70% of Nestlé’s greenhouse gas emissions – the company is taking proactive steps to address agricultural emissions. This includes efforts to mitigate deforestation, conserve natural habitats, and plant hundreds of millions of trees to support agroforestry and reforestation initiatives.
Nestlé’s focus on cocoa is particularly crucial, given its status as one of the world’s leading corporate cocoa consumers, sourcing approximately 430,000 tons annually, with a substantial portion originating from cocoa-producing regions in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. By implementing these projects, Nestlé aims to not only reduce emissions but also contribute to the sustainability and resilience of cocoa farming communities and ecosystems.
According to Nestlé, the new projects aim to plant over two million shade trees on land managed by close to 20 000 farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and are anticipated to deliver more than 500,000 metric tonnes of carbon removal and reduction over 20 years.
Through partnerships with industry stakeholders and a commitment to sustainable sourcing practices, Nestlé is demonstrating its dedication to addressing climate change and promoting environmental stewardship within its supply chain.
Darrell High, Global Cocoa Manager at Nestlé said:
“These projects are important milestones on our journey to net zero. We’re working to address our emissions all the way to the farms we source from. Long-lasting forest protection can only happen when collaborating with fully committed suppliers, just like Cargill and ETG | Beyond Beans. We also depend on the participation of local communities, who have an impact on the forests and can help find land-use solutions that are best suited for the local reality.”
